Heater



Oct. 17, G. E. ONISHI EI'AL HEATER Filed Nov. 4, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTO'RNEY Oct. 17, 1944. V G. E; ONlSHl ETAL 2,360,617

HEATER Filed Nbv; 1940 s Sheets-Sheet 2 HEATER 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 4, 1940 51 I, lu l W "$56 l 6 {5 I r' [\l T i i Q I I INVENTO ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 17, 1944 HEATER George E. Onishi, South Bend, Ind., and Harry E.

Schank, Detroit,

Mich.,

assignors to The Studebaker Corporation, South Bend, 1111, a

corporation of Delaware Application November 4, 1940, Serial No. 364,142

9 Claims.

This invention relates to vehicle air conditioning means and more particularly is directed to an improved type of air circulating and heating means for the interior of vehicles such as passenger cars, busses and the like.

The present invention is a continuation of and improvement upon the structure disclosed in the copending application of George E. Onishi and Albert M. Norman, Serial No. 214,004, filed June 16, 1938, now issued as Patent No. 2,256,- 724, dated September 23, 1941.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved air conditioning and circulating means for automotive vehicles in which fresh air is drawn from the exterior of the vehicle and passed through conditioning means to be brought to the desired temperature and is then circulated along the floor of the vehicle to all portions thereof.

One of the features of the present invention is the provision of an improved means for drawing air from outside the vehicle into the interior thereof.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide a novel air passage or conduit from the external inlet port into the conditioning unit which passageway takes up none of the space now utilized within the vehicle and yet is so arranged as to be substantially free from dust,

moisture Or the like.

A further feature of the present invention resides in the improved assembling and mounting of the air heating and circulating unit with respect to the floor of the vehicle whereby the ground clearance of the vehicle is maintained and the heating unit is disposed in the space between the bottom of the seat structure and the lower flange of the channel or side rails of the vehicle.

Another feature provided in the present invention comprises a design of unit which is capable of circulating fresh air through the interior of the vehicle independently of any tempering or conditioning of such air with means for optionally treating the air depending upon the temperature desired within the vehicle.

Still another advantage attained by the present invention resides in the control mechanism for the air heating and circulating unit whereby the driver has instant control over both the temperature and circulation of air.

Still another feature present in the instant invention is the provision of an improved type of heating coil of circular design which produces a more universal and faster heating of the air to be introduced into the vehicle while at the same time being of minimum vertical extent. The unit is arranged to insure positive distribution of the air in the desired manner.

Insofar as the heater core itself is concerned, the present invention provides an improved core structure wherein the cross-sectional area of the air passageways extending radially outwardly through the core, increases in accordance with the increasing temperature of the air, thereby compensating for the increase in the volume of air caused by the temperature rise.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention, such as simplification in design and assembly and reductions in the cost of the component parts of the structure, will be more apparent from the following detailed description which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will disclose to those skilled in the art the particular construction and opera tion of a preferred fonn of the present invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view with portions broken away showing the relationship of the air circulating and heating means to the air inlet conduit and to the component parts of the vehicle structure which are associated therewith;

Figure 2 is a transverse, sectional view taken substantially on line 2-2 of Figure 1';

Figure 3 is a side elevational view, partly in section and taken transversely to the sectional view shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the heating unit;

Figure 5 is a sectional view thereof taken on line 55 of Figure 4; and

Figures 6, 7, and 8 are sectional views through various portions of the coil taken substantially on line 6-8, 'I-'I and 88, respectively, of Figure 4.

Referring now in detafl to the drawings, the vehicle is provided with the customary side rail or channel member I extending beneath the floor 6 thereof, this floor having a raised portion 1 provided with studs 8 by which the seat supporting and adjusting mechanism is mounted. Extending longitudinally along the outer side of the channel 5 the vehicle is provided with a substantially rectangularly formed duct 9 which extends longitudinally thereof beneath the door sill l0 and at its forward end emerges into a vertically extending passageway I2 formed by the external cowl surface I 3 of the vehicle forwardly of the door post I l and an inner defining wa l I! arranged in a position to extend from the duct 9 upwardly between the door post II and the cowl. This provides a passageway for air as indicated by the dotted arrows moving downwardly through the conduit l2 and thence rearwardly through the duct 9 to the space disposed between the duct 9 and the raised portion I of the floor 5.

At this point the air crosses over the upper flange of the channel 5 by reason of this raised portion above the ledge l6 which extends over and forms a continuation of the duct 5 and thence the air moves downwardly into the substantially circular or annular chamber I! which is closed at its lower end by the cup shaped member l8, this member forming a support for an annular air filter l9 which is seated therein and held thereby against the lowered annular flange portion of the floor 6.

The member I8 is provided at its peripheal edge with a flange portion 22 which is adapted to be bolted to the flanged portion 23 of the member 24 which defines the annular chamber l1. Preferably, a suitable rubber or other non-metallic ring 25 is positioned between the two flanges 22 and 23 to provide for sealing the air chamber and also to provide a resilient cushionv support. The duct 9 is closed transversely in any suitable manner adjacent the rear end of the raised portion of the floor 5 and the normal extent of the fioor is such as to close off the top of the duct except at the raised portion I. The member 24 is provided with a normally turned flange 26 by which it may be supported against the under surface of the floor either by welding, riveting or the like. It will thus be seen that the air passes into the annular chamber l1 and consequently entirely surrounds the annular cleaner or filter l9. Disposed within the filter I9 is a small electric motor 30 which has mounted on the shaft 32 thereof a fan 33.

This motor is supported in position by means of a suitably reinforced bracket 34 which in turn is supported upon the depressed annular portion 20 of the floor 5. This depressed portion 20 terminates in a radially upturned flange 35 which flange defines a circular opening in the plane of the floor portion 20 about the periphery of the fan 33. Thus upon operation of the motor 33 the fan 33 is rotated to create a suction within the filter I9. thereby drawing the air from the chamber l'l therethrough and forcing it upwardly through the opening defined by the fiange 35 into the center of a circular coil 40, which coil is shown in detail in Figures 4 to 8, inclusive. The coil 40 consists of an annulus of substantially rectangular section and has an open center portion which is adapted to be closed at its upper end by means of the top plate 42 which plate has centered support on the coil but does not enclose the lateral side walls of the coil through which the air is distributed as indicated by the arrow in Figure 1.

To provide for admission of fresh air into the passageway I2 the side wall of the vehicle forwardly of the door post I4 is provided with an opening 43 which has its defining edge provided with suitable weatherproofing material adapted to be engaged by the defining edge of a door 44,

which door is supported by means of hinges 45 for movement outwardly away from the plane of thevehicle body to form a projection for forcing air into the opening 43 and consequently into the passageway l2. The door is preferably controlled by means of a suitable control latch or handle (not shown), which may be mounted in any suitable manner for operation by the driver of the ear whereby this door may be opened to allow a supply of fresh air to be drawn into the air conditioning unit.

Considering now in detail the coil 40 shown in Figures 4 to 8, inclusive, the coil comprises substantially semi-circular tubular passageways or coils members which are preferably of oval or flattened section and which are arranged in layers both laterally and vertically to provide a jacket type of coil. Interposed between each of the coil members 50 are a plurality of fin memhere or heat dispersing surfaces indicated generally at 52 past which the air is forced between the adjacent coil members. These fin members rapidly transmit the heat from the coil members to the air passing therepast and consequently heat this air as it is discharged laterally and radially through the coil members. The opposite ends of the coil members 50 are connected into the respective headers 53 and 54.

It will be noted, from an inspection of Figure 4, that the fins 52 are so arranged with respect to the coils that the air passages therebetween increase in area as the air moves radially outwardly through the coil. In other words, the fins are spaced apart further as the distance from the center of the coil increases. This is of distinct advantage in that the resistance to the passage of the air is thereby kept from increasing, since the air as it becomes heated increases in volume, and the increasing fin spacing compensates for this increase in volume.

The header 53 constitutes the inlet header and is adapted to receive the inlet pipe 55 which is secured therein by means of a rivet or stud 56 passing through the angular lip connection at the end of the pipe. The pipe 55 is adapted to receive a flexible hose connection 51 which leads forwardly therefrom beneath the floor of the vehicle and at its forward end is connected to a valve member 53. The valve member 58 is connected, in turn, through the threaded nipple 53 to the water chamber in the engine block indicated diagrammatically at 60. The opposite header 54 has extending into the upper end thereof the angle pipe 52 which, in turn, is riveted in position in the header by means of the rivet 53. This pipe is connected through the flexible hose 54 to the outlet connection from the engine block leading back to the radiator of th vehicle and forms the outlet connection from the heater coil 40. With a coil of this type it will be apparent that air introduced into the center thereof may be discharged radially in all directions except for that are of its circumference occupied by the headers 53 and 54. Consequently, the air will be discharged forwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle with respect to the location of the heater and will also be directed diagonally so that a portion of the air will reach the side of the vehicle opposite the heating unit.

As will be apparent from an inspection of Figures 2 and 3, the studs 3 are adapted to receive supporting brackets 55 upon which is mounted a channel or other suitable member adapted to su port the adjusting mechanism 55 secured to the base of the front seat of the vehicle. This adJusting mechanism in turn supports the seat frame 51 upon which is mounted the cushion seat 63 and it will thus be apparent that the bottom of the seat is disposed directly over the coil 43 and, consequently, the air discharged radially through the coil is directed laterally along the front of the vehicle toward the feet of the driver and the feet of the occupants of the seat next to the driver and those in the rear seat of the vehicle.

The heater itself is supported in position and spaced slightly above the depressed portion 28 of the floor by means of downwardly turned bracket members 89 which are provided with suitable rubber bushings 18 adapted to receive bolts or the like for securing the coil 48 in position. Also, the under surface of the coil is provided with a supporting plate 12 having the downwardly struck rib 13 supporting the same upon the floor 6 adjacent the flanges 28 of the member 24, consequently providing a firm cushioned support for the coil and holding the same against rattling or vibration.

Considering now the operation of the system as thus described, it is to be understood that the vehicle is provided with a conventional battery such as indicated at 88 which has one terminal thereof connected through the conductor 82 to a switch 83 preferably having a fuse connection 84 leading to an instrument panel 85. This panel is provided with a switch member 88 which is adapted to complete the circuit from the battery 82 and switch 83 through the conductor 85 to the motor 38, thus energizing this motor to operate the fan 83 and thereby draw fresh air through the coil. By such a construction it is possible for the operator to actuate the switch 88, placing the same in operation, and to force fresh air into the interior of the vehicle without heating the same. This is of distinct advantage in hot weather when it is desired to circulate air through the vehicle without necessarily requiring opening of the windows as in cases when it is raining or very dusty.

The next control knob on the instrument panel 85 comprises a button 88 which is connected through a suitable wire cable 89 to the actuatim: lever 98 of the valve 58. Pulling of the button 88 opens the valve 58 and allows fluid from the cooling system of the motor to pass through the hose connection 81 into the inlet header 53, thence through the coils 58 and return to the ffOlll'lg system through the header 54 and outlet '"a'mnection 64. It is apparent that when this valve 58 is opened the coils 58 will receive the heated fluid and will immediately transmit this heated fluid to the fins 52. As a result. the air being forced between the coils 58 through the fins 52 will pick up this heat and consequently heated air will be distributed to the interior of the vehicle. The control ofthe valve 58 may be such as to provide for a full open position in which all possible heat is transmitted to the air passing through the unit or to an intermediate position when less than the maximum amount of heat is required. The switch 88 may be of the type having several positions to provide for various speeds of the fan.

The third control knob 82 on the instrument panel controls the operation of the defroster, which defroster consists mainly of a small fan and motor disposed within the car under the instrument panel for picking up the heated air discharged from the coil 48 and forcing it through suitable conduits over the inner surface of the windshield. This construction is not a part of the present invention and therefore is not disclosed or described in detail.

It is therefore believed apparent that we have provided a novel type of vehicle air circulating means for insuring circulation of fresh air throughout the vehicle and at the same time controlling the temperature thereof.

We are aware that various changes may be made in certain details of the construction herefront door post, and a substantially vertical body panel extending forwardly of said door post, an opening in said panel, a door controlling said opening, means including said panel forming an air duct within the vehicle extending from said opening substantially vertically downwardly to a point below said floor, a duct formed in part by said floor extending longitudinally rearwardly therefrom outside said frame member, means forming. an annular air chamber inside said frame member beneath said floor, said floor having a raised portion defining a passage between said duct and chamber over the top of said frame member, and air circulating and heating means associated with said chamber for drawing air therefrom and forcing it into the interior of the vehicle above said floor.

2. The combination of claim 1 further characterized in that said heating means comprises an annular coil above said chamber and closed over its top surface whereby said circulating means forces air radially therethrough laterally over the floor of the vehicle.

3. The combination of claim 1 further characterized in that said air circulating means comprises a fan in said chamber at the upper surface thereof for drawing air from said chamber through an opening in the floor, anddeflector means above said fan for forcing the air out laterally over said floor.

4. In a vehicle having a longitudinal side frame member, a duct paralleling said frame member on the outer side thereof, a floor above said frame member, a passageway formed in part by a raised portion of said floor overlyin said frame member and extending transversely thereof, means for admitting fresh air into said duct, an air chamber beneath said floor on the inner side of said frame member and having communication with said passageway, air tempering means on said floor above said chamber, and means in said chamber for drawing air from said duct through said passageway and forcing said air out through said air tempering means.

5. In a vehicle having a side wall, a door sill, a longitudinal side frame member, and a floor board, an air circulating system comprising means in said side wall forwardly of and above said door sill forming a substantially vertical fresh air inlet duct, a longitudinal duct on the outer side of said frame member beneath said sill communicating with said inlet duct, an air chamber beneath said floor board on the inner side of said frame member opening into the interior of said vehicle, and a transverse passageway formed in part by said sill and extending from said longitudinal duct to said chamber over said side frame member.

6. An air circulating system for a vehicle comprising a longitudinal duct extending along the outer side of one frame member, a vertical duct at the forward end thereof opening at its upper end to atmosphere, a transverse duct overlying said frame member at the rear end of said longitudinal duct, an air chamber beneath the floor of the vehicle, said transverse duct providing communication between said longitudinal duct and said air chamber, and means in said chamber for discharging air therefrom into the interior of the vehicle.

7. The system of claim 6 further characterized in the provision of air tempering means in said vehicle through which said air is t'zischarged,

8. The combination, in a vehicle having a floor board provided with a depressed annular por tion defining a central opening, of an air chamber depending from said floor board and having an annular filter therein, a fan located within said annular depressed portion, annular heating means supported on said floor board and extending thereabove, and a top plate secured thereover, said fan drawing air from said chamber through said filter and discharging said air radially through said heating means below said top plate.

9. In combination, in a vehicle having a side frame member, a'floor extending thereover, a 0

10 frame member beneath said floor, a passageway formed in part by a raised portion of said floor between said last mentioned duct and said chamber above said frame member, and means associated with said chamber for drawing air there- 16 from and forcing it into the interior of the vehicle above said floor.

GEORGE E. ONISHI. HARRY E. SCHANK. 

